Forum Policies

Welcome to the Thinking Baptists Discussion Board.  We are a friendly community of people interested in theological discussions from a progressive, free-church perspective.  All participants are expected to abide by a few simple policies:

• General courtesy is expected. Flaming, vitriolic language, general unpleasantness and outright attacks are unacceptable. Feel free to challenge ideas. Posts that attack members of the board will be deleted.

• Moderate to liberal baptists form the base-line for this board.
  This place was created as a forum where the identity is primarily moderate and liberal. Anyone who wants to contribute to the discussions is welcome to do so, but please reserve liberal-bashing for those boards which enjoy that sort of thing.

• Regarding other boards:  many of us are regulars on other discussion boards.  It is perfectly acceptable to discuss threads from those boards over here.  Do not, however, send our members over to other boards to post.  It's bad netiquette, and sets an undesirable precedent.

• The name of the board reflects its purpose. It is intended to be a place for people who want to contemplate seriously the why's of their faith and who want to chat with others who are doing the same.

• We generally do not censor the posts here, and we ask that potential contributors under the age of 18 get their parents' permission before reading or posting.

• This is an open discussion forum intended to allow people to honestly express their views.  The opinions expressed by members of Thinking Baptists are not necessarily those of the board Administrator or the Moderators (called "Liberators" on this board).

• Members of the forum retain the copyright of all originally content that they post here. It should not be reposted, copied, or distributed elsewhere (in print or online) without the original poster's permission.  

• One additional note regarding the issue of homosexuality, which has become an issue of division in most denominations and congregations.  As the owner of this forum, I am committed to making this an environment that is welcoming and affirming for Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual, and Transgender Christians.  Since this is a discussion forum, people from all backgrounds are welcome to engage each other on topics that include sexuality.  Nevertheless, it is my personal conviction that homosexuality is not sinful, and that GLBT persons should be allowed full participation in their communities of faith.  Consequently, attempts to belittle, badger, condemn, or marginalize people because of their sexual orientation will not be permitted.

• These policies may be changed at any time by the board Administrator, and it is the responsibility of each member to stay current on the existing policies.  In addition, the board Administrator, or one of the forum Moderators, may delete or edit any post at their discretion.  Board membership is at the discretion of the Administrator, and may be revoked at any time.

- Joshua

Last Updated March 28, 2006